The Open Heart Companion: Preparation and Guidance for Open-Heart Surgery Recovery

by Maggie Lichtenberg, Maggie Lichetenberg

This book’s promise… Every year in the US alone, 709,000 open-heart patients (current AHA figures) plod through an arduous convalescence. Very seldom are heart patients told what to really expect during the stressful open-heart surgery recovery period of 8-12 weeks. Far too many open-heart patients and primary caregivers don’t proactively plan ahead for this very challenging time.As a recent heart patient, I decided this needed to change. Through dozens of interviews, and weaving in my own personal story, The Open Heart Companion reinforces the wisdom that knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect during open-heart surgery recovery -- and planning for it -- makes the process so much easier. While books on heart disease prevention and surgical intervention abound, most have no day-by-day advice once the open-heart patient has left the hospital. The Open Heart Companion fills this gap. It is the first book written with the focus on the long recuperation period with the goal of reducing fear and stress by simply planning ahead -- written by a heart surgery patient, for patients and caregivers. The Book’s Biggest Not only do Part One and Part Two prepare and empower you for your open-heart surgery operation, Part Three supports you during the difficult recovery gap between hospital discharge and when you are finally healed enough to enroll in a cardiac rehab program –a stretch of four to eight challenging weeks. Advance praise for The Open Heart Companion "The Open Heart Companion is just that -- a book that acts as a loving, wise, and comforting partner who gently guides you through the stages of preparing for and successfully completing open-heart surgery. A life-saving gift filled with invaluable resources, real-life stories and must-know information, this book is required reading for all patients and loved ones." Cheryl Richardson, author of Take Time for Your Life “The Open Heart Companion is must reading for anyone who requires open-heart surgery. Written by a life coach who has been there herself, The Open Heart Companion will help you get the most out of this dramatic and life-changing experience.” Christiane Northrup, MD , author of Mother-Daughter Wisdom and Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom "This passionate and personal guide will help you both survive and thrive after open-heart surgery.” Mehmet C. Oz, MD, author of Healing from the A Leading Surgeon Combines Eastern and Western Traditions to Create the Medicine of the Future "Maggie Lichtenberg has created a terrific resource for those undergoing open-heart surgery, both for the preparation and the recovery period. Drawn from dozens of patient and caregiver interviews, the book is filled with specific exercises and insights to make the open-heart experience easier on the patient and loved ones." Amy Verstappen, President, Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) "This beautifully written, comprehensive and absolutely accurate account of how to go into, come out of, and recover from open heart surgery is a must for patients and physicians alike. I plan to keep a supply on hand for my own patients, confident that they will find it, as I did, immensely instructive and helpful." Marianne J. Legato, MD, author of The Female The Truth about Women and Heart Disease “The lessons herein are applicable to anyone with a challenging medical or surgical condition, not just those with heart disease. Because it outlines a series of plans for thoughtful and collaborative action, this book will be equally useful for patients and for those assisting in the care of a family member or friend…I am grateful to at last have a guide I can recommend not just to my patients and their families, but also to my medical and nursing colleagues as we strive to improve the care our patients receive.” Kathleen Blake, MD, cardiologist at, and Preasident of, The New Mexico Heart Institute From her Foreword to The Open Heart Preparation and Guidance for Open-Heart Surgery Recovery

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2006

Reviews

[Muñeca Zertuche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library after my doctors told me I should consider having surgery soon. It was surprised to read that the writer also has the same condition as I do. After reading it I felt brave enough to consider surgery. I would consider buying this book to have by my side during my preparation towards surgery to remind me that everything will be ok.

[Marc Riess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much of a religious/spiritual focus for me (but others might like that).

[Brian Welsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm 2.5 weeks post surgery and feel this book has a lot of of worthwhile advice and info. It includes sections for caregivers as well as the patient. Much of it is common sense help, but there is enough to worry about going into surgery and a fairly comprehensive guide like this is useful. It's an easy read and doesn't get bogged down. If you're looking at this for yourself or a loved one, I'd recommend it. Also, best of luck with the upcoming surgery.